Benteke scores 2 goals in second half to lead Belgium to easy 4-2 win over US in friendly

U.S. defender Geoff Cameron, left, celebrates with Clarence Goodson after Cameron scored during the first half of an international friendly soccer game against Belgium on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
(The Associated Press)

Belgium forward Romelu Lukaku (9) shields the ball from U.S. defender DaMarcus Beasley during the first half of an international friendly soccer game Wednesday, May 29, 2013, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
(The Associated Press)

U.S. fans cheer during an international friendly soccer game between the United States and Belgium on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
(The Associated Press)

Christian Benteke scored two goals in the second half and Marouane Fellaini had another, leading Belgium to a 4-2 thrashing of the United States on Wednesday night in an international friendly the Americans hoped would get them ready for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Boasting a strong roster with 10 players from the English Premier League, Belgium broke a 1-1 tie with three goals in the second half. It overpowered a U.S. team that has some work to do on defense before it can even think about making the field for next summer's World Cup in Brazil.

Benteke, who plays for Aston Villa, scored in the 56th and 71st minutes for Belgium, ranked 15th in the world and considered a rising European power.

Geoff Cameron scored in the 22nd minute and Clint Dempsey pounded in a penalty kick in the 80th minute for the U.S.